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Edmund Boy

Popularity: #749 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationED-mund / /ˈɛd.mʌnd/

Old English; Germanic

Meaning

wealthy protector; prosperous defender

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Edmund has its roots in Old English, derived from the elements "ead," meaning wealth or fortune, and "mund," meaning protection or guardian. This etymology reflects a composite meaning of "wealthy protector." The name was recorded in various forms, including the Old English "Eadmund," before evolving into its modern form. It entered the English language through the Anglo-Saxon period, becoming prominent in the early medieval era as a result of its usage among nobility and clergy.

Historically, one of the most notable figures bearing the name was Saint Edmund, the King of East Anglia, who was martyred in the 9th century. His veneration as a saint contributed significantly to the name's popularity in medieval England. The name was further popularized by the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, which documented the life and legacy of Saint Edmund. Additionally, the name appears in various historical texts and royal lineages, including the lineage of English monarchs, particularly during the 10th and 11th centuries.

Culturally, Edmund has been associated with themes of nobility and virtue, often embodying the ideals of a just ruler or a noble protector. This association is reinforced by literary references, such as in Shakespeare's "King Lear," where the character Edmund represents ambition and treachery, contrasting with the virtuous ideals of the name. The name has also seen diminutive forms like "Eddie," which have been used historically, although the primary form has remained prominent throughout the centuries. Overall, Edmund carries a rich historical and cultural significance that has contributed to its enduring presence in English-speaking societies.

Trend Summary

Edmund has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, particularly in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Ed
  • Eddie
  • Edie

International Variants

  • Edmundo (Spanish)
  • Édouard (French)
  • Edouard (French)
  • Edoardo (Italian)

Famous people named Edmund

Edmund Burke is a philosopher and statesman best known for Reflections on the Revolution in France, A Vindication of Natural Society, and Thoughts on the Cause of the Present Discontents.

Edmund Spenser is a poet best known for The Faerie Queene, The Shepherd's Calendar, and Amoretti.

Edmund Wilson is a literary critic and writer best known for To the Finland Station, Axel's Castle, and The Wound and the Bow.

Edmund Halley is an astronomer best known for Halley's Comet, the prediction of cometary orbits, and his work on the Earth's magnetic field.

Edmund Blackadder is a fictional character best known for the television series Blackadder, portrayed by Rowan Atkinson.

Fictional characters named Edmund

Edmund Pevensie is a fictional character from the book series The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. He is one of the four Pevensie siblings who play a crucial role in the battle against the White Witch and the restoration of Narnia.

Edmund Blackadder is a fictional character from the British television series Blackadder. He is a cunning and often cynical nobleman who navigates the political intrigues of various historical periods throughout the series.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Edmund was first seen in the United States in 1880. Edmund has ranked as high as #322 nationally, which occurred in 1923, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Illinois, and California. In the past 5 years the name Edmund has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Edmund (2024)

StateBirthsShare
MI 10
10%
CA 10
10%
TX 9
9%
MN 9
9%
IL 8
8%
ID 7
7%
PA 7
7%
OH 6
6%
VA 6
6%
WI 6
6%
NY 6
6%
FL 5
5%
MA 5
5%
WA 5
5%
NC 5
5%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188067
188161
188271
188363
188472
188568
188680
188761
188876
188989
189054
189161
189293
189380
189496
189590
1896110
189796
1898101
189987
190094
190195
1902104
1903102
1904109
1905108
1906122
1907129
1908141
1909147
1910200
1911235
1912452
1913599
1914792
1915961
19161,032
19171,045
19181,099
19191,007
19201,104
19211,104
19221,014
19231,145
19241,115
19251,042
19261,012
1927929
1928911
1929829
1930808
1931708
1932691
1933567
1934600
1935564
1936554
1937523
1938513
1939467
1940498
1941576
1942602
1943666
1944555
1945478
1946637
1947633
1948576
1949586
1950553
1951625
1952659
1953621
1954607
1955604
1956591
1957662
1958573
1959532
1960508
1961523
1962469
1963473
1964485
1965432
1966394
1967369
1968350
1969332
1970298
1971285
1972245
1973221
1974223
1975209
1976198
1977271
1978271
1979320
1980269
1981251
1982225
1983180
1984175
1985174
1986194
1987189
1988162
1989159
1990155
1991147
1992145
1993132
1994143
1995116
1996128
1997147
1998119
1999127
2000122
2001115
2002113
2003117
2004118
2005103
200697
200799
2008118
2009125
201095
2011111
2012138
2013152
2014176
2015173
2016192
2017163
2018168
2019160
2020122
2021173
2022168
2023194
2024175